The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Division issued a public warning Monday regarding a Class II recall of hummus products containing undeclared sesame allergens. Carrot Top Country Kitchens LLC, doing business as Carrot Top Kitchens of Bridgeport, formerly of Redding, initiated the recall affecting five varieties of its hummus products.
The recall classification as Class II indicates the Food and Drug Administration has determined the violation may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with a remote probability of serious adverse health consequences. For individuals with sesame allergies, consumption of these products could trigger severe allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Sesame was designated as the ninth major food allergen under federal law in 2021, requiring manufacturers to clearly label its presence in food products. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act mandates that sesame, along with milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans, must be identified on product labels when present as an ingredient or when cross-contamination occurs during manufacturing.
Carrot Top Country Kitchens LLC operates from its Bridgeport facility after previously being located in Redding, Connecticut. The company specializes in prepared foods and has been serving the Connecticut market for several years. The specific hummus varieties affected by the recall have not been detailed in the initial announcement, though consumers are advised to check product labels and contact the company directly for specific product identification.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Division works in coordination with the FDA to monitor food safety within the state. When potential violations are identified, the department issues public warnings to protect consumers from health risks associated with mislabeled or contaminated food products.
Food recalls involving undeclared allergens have become increasingly common as awareness of food allergies has grown. According to federal data, food allergies affect millions of Americans, with sesame allergies affecting an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States. Sesame allergic reactions can occur even with minimal exposure, making proper labeling critical for consumer safety.
Class II recalls typically involve products that pose moderate health risks but do not require the immediate removal urgency of Class I recalls, which involve products that could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. However, consumers with known sesame allergies should treat any exposure as potentially serious and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop after consumption.
The recall process involves several steps, beginning with the manufacturer's identification of the labeling violation. The company must then notify the FDA and relevant state agencies, develop a recall strategy, and implement consumer notification procedures. Retailers are typically instructed to remove affected products from shelves immediately upon notification.
Consumers who have purchased hummus products from Carrot Top Kitchens should examine product labels carefully and avoid consumption if sesame is not properly declared as an ingredient. Those with sesame allergies should dispose of any potentially affected products immediately. Symptoms of sesame allergic reactions can include skin reactions such as hives or eczema, gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting, respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis requiring emergency medical treatment.
The company has not yet announced specific lot numbers, production dates, or distribution areas affected by the recall. Consumers seeking additional information about the recalled products should contact Carrot Top Country Kitchens LLC directly. The FDA maintains an online database of all food recalls, which is updated regularly as new information becomes available.
This recall highlights the ongoing challenges manufacturers face in maintaining accurate ingredient labeling, particularly with the addition of sesame as a recognized major allergen. Cross-contamination during production, supplier ingredient changes, and formulation modifications can all contribute to labeling discrepancies that result in recalls.
State consumer protection agencies play a vital role in food safety enforcement, working alongside federal regulators to ensure compliance with labeling requirements. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Food and Standards Division regularly inspects food facilities and investigates consumer complaints to identify potential violations before they reach consumers.
Consumers affected by this recall should monitor the FDA's recall database and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website for updates on the scope of affected products and any additional safety information. Those experiencing allergic reactions after consuming hummus products should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to both their healthcare provider and the FDA through the agency's adverse event reporting system.